Strip connectors for measurement devices

ABSTRACT

Devices including strip connectors in measurement devices are provided. Also provided are systems, kits and methods.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the invention relate to strip connectors in measurementdevices. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to stripconnectors for use with measurement devices that are substantiallyimpervious to liquid or other contaminants or that are replaceable ordisposable.

2. The Relevant Technology

Diabetes is a disease that afflicts many people. One of the tools usedin diabetes management is a measurement device, whose primary purpose isto measure the blood glucose level of a person from a sample of blood.The process of using a measurement device is not overly complicated andit is often performed several times a day.

After inserting a test strip into a port of the measurement device, auser may lance his or her finger to obtain a small sample of blood. Theblood sample is then placed onto the test strip and the measurementdevice analyzes the blood sample. The measurement device typicallydisplays a blood glucose level from the analysis.

In order to ensure that an accurate measurement is being generated, itis necessary to keep the measurement device free from contamination.There are instances where the port becomes contaminated with blood, forexample. When this occurs, the performance of the measurement devicesuffers and the user is no longer assured of an accurate result. As aresult, the user is likely required to purchase a new measurementdevice. A user can be inconvenienced because of the inaccurate resultsand the need to purchase a new device.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to strip connectors onmeasurement devices or for use with measurement devices. Embodiments ofthe invention include strip ports that are corrosion resistant,washable, impervious to liquid ingress, dust proof, conductive, and/orreplaceable. In one embodiment, the measurement device includes a casethat has a first end. A strip connector may be disposed in the first endor other portion of the case. The strip port includes contacts thatextend out from the first end. The case may be formed such that aninterface between the case and the contacts forms a barrier that issubstantially impervious to liquids. The interface allows the stripconnector and the contacts to be cleaned and allows the contacts to bekept free from contaminants. This extends the mean time before failure(MTBF) of the device because the strip connector can be cleaned.

In certain embodiments, the port is configured to be replaceable. Inthis example, the device includes a receptacle for receiving the port.The port may include a first portion having a first electricalinterface. The first electrical interface is typically configured tointerface with the device. The first portion of the device also includesa second electrical interface.

The port may also include a second portion. A third electrical interfacemay be configured to detachably and electrically connect with the secondelectrical interface. This allows the second portion to be removed fromthe first portion and replaced if contaminated or for any other reason.The second portion also includes a strip port configured to receive atest strip. The port then provides an electrical and physical connectionbetween the measurement device and the test strip.

A disposable port or a port with a disposable portion also increases theMTBF of the device. Also, a disposable port allows the second portion tobe selected to accommodate different test strip form factors.

These and other advantages and features of the present invention willbecome more fully apparent from the following description and appendedclaims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forthhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention,a more particular description of the invention will be rendered byreference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in theappended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict onlytypical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described andexplained with additional specificity and detail through the use of theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a view of a measurement device including a stripconnector that makes the strip interface cleanable;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a measurement device with astrip connector;

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of contacts included in a stripconnector;

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of contacts included in a stripconnector;

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of contacts included in a stripconnector;

FIG. 6 illustrates a device with spring arm connectors connected with atest strip;

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of a device with contacts that iselectrically connected with a test strip;

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a device with pin contacts thatinterface with corresponding sockets on a test strip;

FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of pin contacts in a strip connector;

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a device that uses adisposable strip port;

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of an end of the device including theelectrical interface that receives the disposable port;

FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of a disposable port that interfaces witha device and with a test strip;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a disposable port that includes aseparable portions such that one portion interfaces with the measurementdevice and another portion interfaces with a test strip;

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a portion ofthe disposable port that provides an electrical interface for a teststrip;

FIG. 15 illustrates an end view of the disposable port including thetest strip interface;

FIG. 16 illustrates electrical connections between the device and thetest strip through the disposable port; and

FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate additional structure for associating thestrip port with a measurement device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention relate to electrical interfaces inmeasurement devices. Measurement devices often have electricalinterfaces that allow them to electrically connect with another deviceor apparatus and perform an analysis of an analyte. A device thatmeasures blood glucose levels, for example, includes electricalinterfaces that allow the device to measure the blood glucose level froma small blood sample.

Embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods that canimprove the mean time before failure (MTBF) in measurement devices. Thishas the benefit of providing a user with a device that lasts longer andalso ensures that the measurements or analysis performed by the deviceare more accurate over time.

More specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to stripconnectors or strip ports that can be cleaned and/or replaced. Theability to clean or replace a strip port can prevent the device fromexperiencing problems often associated with port contamination. Bloodand other contaminants, for example, can often contaminate a port andmake the device unusable or result in inaccurate analysis. A port thatcan be cleaned or replaced without affecting the operation of the devicethus increases the MTBF.

One embodiment thus relates to an insert molded strip connectorconfiguration that prevents the ingress of liquid or other contaminant.The molded strip connector can be corrosion resistant, washable, waterproof, dust proof, and highly electrically conductive. In anotherembodiment the port or at least a portion of the port is disposable. Adisposable port allows the device to adapt to different test strip formfactors by selecting the appropriate port replacement and also allowsthe device to continue to function when the port is contaminated bysimply replacing the contaminated port.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a measurement deviceused to analyze an analyte. The measurement device 100 typicallyincludes a display 102 and a user interface 104. The display 102 can beused to provide instructions or results to the user related to themeasurement of the blood glucose level in a sample of blood. The userinterface 104 allows a user to perform various functions, includingstarting the analysis, turning the device on/off, and the like.

FIGS. 1 and 2 also illustrate an example of a strip connector 110. Thestrip connector 110, in this example, includes a plurality of contacts112. The contacts 112 provide a physical and/or electrical interface toan appropriately configured test strip or test strip module. In thisexample, the case 108 of the device 100 may be molded around thecontacts 112. By molding the case 108 of the device 110 around thecontacts, the interface between the case 108 and the contacts 112becomes impervious to contamination, including liquid contamination(e.g., water, blood, etc.). The interface between the case 108 and thecontacts 112 then becomes waterproof or at least sufficiently waterproofto allow the device 100 or at least the strip connector 110 to bewashed. The ability to wash the device 100 or at least the stripconnector 110 makes the device 100 substantially or completely corrosionresistant, washable, waterproof and dustproof. Contaminants can beremoved or cleaned from the device without affecting the device 100.

The contacts 112 are usually conductive and may be gold plated toimprove the conductivity of the contacts 112. The contacts 112 may alsobe formed of high strength steel to protect the contacts, which areexposed and extend out of the case 108 of the device 100. In otherembodiments, the contacts may be formed from impregnated polymers,beryllium copper, phosphor bronze, titanium, nickel plated, tin platedor any combination thereof. In alternative embodiments, the contacts maybe any material that provides the proper conductivity where necessary.

The contacts 112 can be arranged in a plurality of differentconfigurations. The contacts can be arranged in one or more rows and/orcolumns on the surface 120. The contacts 112 can be arranged to connectwith different sides of the printed circuit board (or other connector)inside the device 100. Further, the contacts 112 can be bent or shapedto connect with a test strip and provide the electrical and/ormechanical connection between the device 100 and the test strip. Asdiscussed more fully herein the device 100 can be configured withvarious types of contacts that permit the device to interface with teststrips of different form factors. In addition, other structures mayextend out of the surface 120 to provide mechanical structure to securethe test strip.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a device 100 including the strip port110. In this example, the strip port 110 extends out of the device 100through the surface 120 and the interface between the surface 120 andthe contacts 112 is sealed or substantially sealed to prevent ingress ofliquid or other contaminant. The contacts 112 typically pass through thesurface 120 of the device 100 and include a connector 114 to the printedcircuit board 106. The connector 114 may be a bond wire or otherconnection to form a conductive path between the printed circuit board106 and the contacts 112. The contacts 112, in this embodiment, are pintype contacts.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate additional embodiments of the contacts 112.FIG. 4 illustrates a clip pin 114 while the contact depicted in FIG. 5is a spring arm 116. Each type of contact 112 enables physical and/orelectrical contact with a corresponding test strip in a different wayand may accommodate different form factors. In each example, thecontacts 112 pass through the surface 120 of the device 100 andelectrically connect with a printed circuit board or other circuitryinside the device. The surface 120 has been formed around the contacts112 to provide a barrier that allows the contacts 112 to be cleaned orwashed.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the device 100 connected with a teststrip 150. In this example, the device 100 includes spring arms 116 thatextend out of the surface 120. When the strip 150 is inserted into thespring arms 116, the spring arms 116 may separate and exert a forcetowards the test strip 150 to hold the test strip in place physicallyand to provide an electrical connection between the spring arms 116 andthe test strip 150. In FIG. 6, the portion 118 of the spring arms 116inside the device 100 connect with the printed circuit board 106 on bothsides in this example, although there is no requirement that eachportion of each of the spring arms 116 or of the contacts in general beused to establish an electrical connection.

The case 108 of the device 100 has been formed, such as by injectionmolding, to form a surface 120 that encloses the portion 118 of thespring arms 116 (or other contact) inside of the device 100 whileexposing the external portion of the spring arms 116 (or other contact).As a result, the interface between the spring arms 116 and the surface120 is sealed or substantially sealed to prevent ingress of liquid suchas blood or other contaminant from entering the device 100 andinterfering with the operation or functionality of the device 100. As aresult of this interface, the spring arms 116 or other contact can bewashed or cleaned in the event of contamination or for any other reasonwithout interfering with the operation of the device 100.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the device 100 illustrated in FIG. 6.In this example, the spring arms 116 extend out of the surface 120 andare connected to the test strip 150. A blood sample 156 is loaded on thetest strip and contacts 156 and 158 are in contact with the spring arms116. In this example, the contact 158 is on one side of the test strip150 while the contact 156 is on the other side of the test strip 150.The spring arm configuration illustrated in FIG. 7 enable contacts 158and 156 of the test strip 150 to be on either side of the test strip. Insome instances, some of the spring arms 116 may not be in electricalcontact with the test strip 150.

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of a moldedstrip connector. In this example, the device 100 includes pin contacts112 that pass through a surface 120 of the device 100. At least some ofthe pin contacts 112 encased or enclosed within the case 108 of thedevice 100 are electrically connected to the printed circuit board 106.Because the contact pins 112 can be arranged in various configurations,such as rows and columns, the pin contacts 112 can connect to both sidesof the printed circuit board 106.

The test strip 160 illustrated in FIG. 8 includes sockets 162 that areshaped and configured to cooperate with the pin contacts 112 toestablish at least an electrical connection, but may also providephysical stability to the connection between the test strip 160 and thedevice 100. The sockets 162 are mounted in a connection module 164 thatroutes the electrical connection of the sockets 162 to the strip 160such that the device 100 can analyze any analyte located thereon.

FIG. 9 illustrates a top view a device with a test strip port. FIG. 9illustrates that the contacts 112 can be inserted into the sockets 162to form a connection between the device 100 and the test strip 160. Whena sample is loaded in the space 166, the connection established betweenthe device 100 and the test strip 160 via the pin contact/socketconnection, the sample can be analyzed.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a disposable strip port.A disposable strip port enables the port or a portion thereof to beexchanged, by way of example and not limitation, for another port orportion thereof when the current port or portion thereof malfunctions oris contaminated. FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a measurementdevice 200. The device 200 includes a display 202 and a user interfacesimilar to the display and user interface illustrated in FIG. 1. Thedisplay 202 may be used to convey information including results (such asblood glucose level) on an analysis of an analyte such as a bloodsample.

The device 200 includes a port 208 that is inset in a receptacle 206formed in the device 200. The receptacle 206 can be configured toreceive a disposable or replaceable port 250. As illustrated in FIG. 10,the disposable port 250 can be inserted into the receptacle 206 andconnected both physically and electrically with the device 200 throughthe port 208. The disposable port 250 includes a strip port 252 that isconfigured to receive the test strip 150. When the port 250 is insertedinto the receptacle 206, the surface with the port 252 is often flushwith the surface 214, although other configurations are possible withrespect to the position of the port 250 relative to the device 200.

FIG. 11 illustrates a view of an end of the device 200. FIG. 11illustrates that port 208 and the printed circuit board 212 (or othersuitable interface) are disposed therein at the end of the receptacle206. The printed circuit board 212 may have traces 216 or other contactson either side of the printed circuit board 212.

FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of the device 200, the port 250, and atest strip 150. In this example, the port 208 provides access to thecontacts 216 of the printed circuit board 212. The port 250 alsoincludes corresponding contacts 254 that are configured to connect withthe traces 216. The contacts 254 may be spring arms, pins, and the likeor any combination thereof. Further, the port 208 may be insert moldedas previously described to provide an interface that is substantiallyimpervious to contaminants. In this case, the port may be changeable toallow the device 200 to adapt to different form factors or to provideother functions according to the configuration of the port 250.

In this example, the port 250 also has a strip receptacle 260 (anexample of the strip port 252) or strip port disposed on a side oppositethe contacts 254, although the receptacle can be repositioned on anyside of the port 250. The test strip 150 may be inserted into thereceptacle 260 and a sample of the test strip 150 may be analyzed whenthe port 250 is connected to the port 208.

The port 250 in this example may include a first portion 256 and asecond portion 258. The portion 256 and the portion 258 can be oneintegrated port or may include portions that can be repeatedly separatedand connected. As previously mentioned, the portion 258 can be replacewith differently configured portions to provide a receptacle 260 thataccommodates different test strip form factors.

The portion 256 may be configured to interface with the device 200 viathe port 208. The portion 256 may also include retention tabs 262 thatinteract with corresponding connectors 264 to connect at least theportion 256 with the device 200 physically. In one example, the portion256 may permanently connect with the device 200, while allowing theportion 258 to be disposable. Advantageously, a user can selectdifferently configured portions 258 to adapt to different configurationsof the test strips. This may allow a user not only to replace the port250 or a portion thereof, but also utilize test strips of different formfactors.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a disposableport 250. In this example, the port 250 includes a portion 256 that isconfigured to interface with test strips and a portion 258 that isconfigured to interface with a measurement device 200. The portion 256includes spring arms 254 that are configured to connect with traces on aprinted circuit board as previously disclosed. Alternatively, theportion 258 may include pin contacts or other contacts that interfacewith corresponding structure on the port 208 of the device 200 toestablish the requisite connection.

The portion 256, in this example, includes a retention tab 262 thatenables the port 250 to connect with the device 200 in a permanent orsemi-permanent fashion. When connected to the device 200, the tab 262keeps the portion 256 in place while the portion 258 can be separatedfrom the portion 256 and replaced with a new portion or simply cleaned.As previously noted, the portion 258 can have multiple configurations toenable connectivity with different test strip form factors.

The port 250 includes a guide member 264, in this embodiment, thatinteracts with corresponding rail structure on the device 200 tofacilitate insertion of the port 250 onto the device 200. Thecooperation of the guide member 264 and the rail structure can ensurethat the port 250 is properly aligned with the port 208 during insertionand can also prevent damage to the contacts during both insertion and/orremoval of the port 250. This can prevent damage to the spring arms 264and ensure that a proper connection is made between the port and thedevice.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the portion258. The portion 258 includes pins 266 that are used to connect withcorresponding structure in the portion 256. The pins 266 may provide afriction fit with the corresponding structure to retain the connectionbetween the portion 256 and the portion 258.

FIG. 15 illustrates a view of a test port or receptacle 260 of theportion 258. In this example, the portion 258 includes a receptacle 260configured to receive a test strip. Contacts 270 are disposed inside theport and arranged to make at least electrical contact with the teststrip in order to allow analysis of the blood sample on the strip.

FIG. 16 depicts a side view the device 200 with a disposable port 250connected thereto. FIG. 16 illustrates the spring arms 264 inside of theportion 256. On the device side, the spring arms extent out of the port250 and make contact with the printed circuit board 212 inside thedevice 200. The opposite end of the spring arms 264 form sockets 272.The sockets 272 are configured to receive and electrically connect withthe pins 266 that extend out of the portion 258. The pins 266 alsoinclude contacts 270 (illustrated as spring arms in this example) insideof the portion 258 that are configured to electrically connect with atest strip 150 when the test strip inserted in the receptacle or port260.

As previously stated, the portion 258 can be configured to adapt tomultiple strip form factors. As a result, the portion 258 may alsoinclude contacts 270 that are configured as pins, plugs, sockets, clips,and the like or any combination thereof. The interface between theportion 256 and 258 allows at least the portion 256 to be replaceablewhen ever it begins to fail or is contaminated or for any other reason.Further, the electrical connections between the device 200, the portion256, the portion 258, and the test strip 150 can take various formsincluding, but not limited to, pin contacts, clip pins, spring arms, andthe like or any combination thereof. In this example, the contacts orpins illustrated for the portions 256 and 258 cooperate to establishelectrical connects.

FIGS. 17A-B illustrates examples of the connections or associationsbetween the port 250 and the device 200. FIG. 17A illustrates that theconnection between the port and the device may include a latch 282 thatinterfaces with a receptacle 280 to secure the portion 258 to the device200. The receptacle 280 and latch 282 cooperate to provide a connection.A release 284 may also be included in the device 200 that releases thelatch 282 from the receptacle 280. As a result, the connectionillustrated in FIG. 17A can be permanent or semi-permanent.

FIG. 17B illustrates another interface or connection between the device200 and the port 250. In this example, the device may include sockets286 that have an opening adapted to receive the ball 288 connected tothe port 250. The ball 288, when snapped into the socket 286, expandsthe socket 286 to allow the ball 288 to enter the socket 286. Once theball is inserted, the socket contracts to establish the connection. As aresult, a force is required to insert the ball 288 into the socket. Asimilar force may be required to release the connection illustrated inFIG. 17B. In these examples, the connection may be semi-permanent andensures that the electrical connection is maintained.

In other embodiments, the connection between the port 250 and the device200 (or between the contact pins 266 and sockets 272) may include apress fit or a friction fit. For instance, the port 250 may be slightlywider than the receptacle 206. As the port 250 is inserted into thereceptacle 206, the friction between the port 250 and the device 200maintains the port in the proper position.

In other embodiments, the electrical connections can also provide themechanical connection. For example, a friction fit between the pins 266and the sockets 272 may provide sufficient force to keep the portions256 and 258 connected. A user, however, can remove the portion 256 andreplace it.

Certain embodiments relate to in vivo (e.g., continuous monitoring)systems. A continuous monitoring system typically includes a sensor thatis worn or placed below the skin, a transmitter that collects glucoseinformation from the sensor, and a receiver that collects theinformation from the transmitter. The sensor can collect glucose levelinformation continuously, periodically, or at other intervals.Advantageously, a user is relieved from having to repeatedly lance hisor her body to collect a blood sample once the sensor is inserted,although the sensor (e.g., an electrochemical sensor that is insertedinto a body) can be replaced. U.S. Pat. No. 6,175,752, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses additional examplesof a continuous monitoring system.

Embodiments of the invention relate to components of a continuousmonitoring system that may be replaceable. In one embodiment, the ibetween the sensor and the transmitter may become contaminated. Thetransmitter or sensor control unit, for example, may have an interfacewith the sensor that has been molded to form a barrier between thetransmitter's contacts and circuitry internal to the transmitter. Thisallows the transmitter's contacts to be washed without damaging thetransmitter's circuitry. Alternatively, the contacts may be included ina replaceable port that can be replaced as needed. Similarly, theinterface on the sensor may be molded to form a barrier to contaminationor be replaceable.

In these examples, the strip connectors or ports can be used withcontinuous monitoring systems. As discussed herein, the sensor controlunit or transmitter typically has a port to interface with the sensor.This port can be molded such that the contacts can be cleaned to prolongthe MTBF. Alternatively, the port can be replaceable and/or washable. Areplaceable port allows the continuous system to adapt to differentsensor form factors.

Embodiments of the invention further extend to kits. Examples of a kitinclude a measurement device with one or more strip connectors. In somekits, different strip connectors or ports for different types of stripsmay be included. This allows the measurement device to be used withdifferent strip form factors. The kits may also include a plurality oftest strips. In certain examples, the measurement device may beconfigured for use with disposable test strips as well as with teststrips that are configured for continuous monitoring systems. Thus, themeasurement device may include a receiver to receive information from atransmitter that collects glucose information from an inserted sensor.The measurement device may also include a strip connector, such as thosedisclosed herein, for use with single use test strips.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

1-21. (canceled)
 22. A measurement device to analyze an analyte, thedevice comprising: a case having an end and an interior, the interiorcomprising circuitry to analyze an analyte; a strip port disposed in theend of the case and comprising conductive contacts to electricallyconnect the strip port to the circuitry; and an interface between thecase and the strip port comprising a barrier that is substantially orcompletely impervious to liquids.
 23. The measurement device of claim22, wherein the interface comprises a press fit.
 24. The measurementdevice of claim 22, wherein the interface comprises a snap fit.
 25. Themeasurement device of claim 22, wherein the strip port is replaceable.26. The measurement device of claim 22, wherein the conductive contactsenable an electrical connection between the circuitry and a test stripwhen a test strip is connected to the contacts.
 27. The measurementdevice of claim 26, wherein the contacts are bent.
 28. The measurementdevice of claim 27, wherein the contacts are bent to connect with a teststrip and provide the electrical connection between the device and thetest strip.
 29. The measurement device of claim 22, wherein the contactscomprise pins contacts.
 30. A measurement device to analyze an analyte,the device comprising: a case having a surface and an interior thatcomprises circuitry to analyze an analyte; a strip port comprisingconductive contacts extending through the surface of the case toelectrically connect the conductive contacts to the circuitry; and aninterface between the case and the contacts that is substantially orcompletely impervious to liquids.
 31. A measurement device to analyze ananalyte, the device comprising: a case comprising circuitry to analyzean analyte; a strip port electrically connectable to the circuitry andcomprising conductive contacts to establish an electrical connectionwith an analyte test strip; and a sealed, substantially or completelywater proof interface between the case and the strip port.
 32. Ananalyte measurement system, the device comprising: an analyte teststrip; an analyte monitoring device comprising circuitry to measure ananalyte using the test strip, and a surface that defines a receptacle; astrip port insertable into the receptacle and comprising a first portionto electrically interface the strip port with the device, and a secondportion to electrically interface with the analyte test strip.
 33. Thesystem of claim 32, wherein the interface between the first portion andthe device comprises a seal that substantially or completely preventsingress of contaminants to the device at the interface.
 34. The systemof claim 33, wherein the strip port is flush with a surface of thedevice when inserted into the receptacle.
 35. The system of claim 33,wherein the strip port comprises retention tabs.
 36. The system of claim32, wherein the first portion comprises spring arms.
 37. The system ofclaim 32, wherein the first portion comprises pin contacts.
 38. Thesystem of claim 32, wherein the second portion comprises a plurality ofconductive contacts to electrically interface with the analyte teststrip.
 39. The system of claim 38, wherein the plurality of conductivecontacts are bent.